Tactical Report for Ange Postecoglou: Exploiting Manchester United's Weaknesses
Match Preview: Manchester United vs Spurs
Date: Sunday, 29th September 2024
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, both on 7 points from 5 matches, face off at Old Trafford in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.
United’s home form has been solid, with 2 wins and no losses, but they’ve struggled to score consistently with just 5 Premier League (EPL) goals, despite their attacking firepower led by Marcus Rashford (3 goals, 1 assist in all games), Joshua Zirkzee (1 goal) and Bruno Fernandes (0 goals, 4 assists).
Tottenham, meanwhile, have been more potent in attack, netting 9 EPL goals with Son Heung-min (2 goals, 2 assists in all games), Dominic Solankee (2 goals, 1 assist), Brennan Johnson (3 goals) and James Maddison (1 goal, 2 assists) playing key roles.
However, our away form has been shaky, managing only one point from two games.
Defensively, Spurs have been resilient, conceding 5 goals, the same as United.
There were questions that came out of the Qarabag game, read about those here: Spurs v Qarabag Player Questionnaire
Key Battles to Watch
Midfield Control: James Maddison’s role under Postecoglou is more than just creating chances; he often drops deep to link play and initiate transitions. Expect him to find pockets of space in front of United’s defence, potentially dragging Casemiro out of position.
With Maddison is the creative hub. Casemiro’s challenge will be not only to cut off his supply but also to deal with Tottenham’s fluid interchanges.
Spurs' High Press and Build-up Play: Under Postecoglou, Spurs have adopted a possession-based, aggressive high-pressing style. The team builds from the back and attempts to overload the central areas before finding wide options.
United’s defensive shape and ability to play out from the back will be tested, especially against the likes of Yves Bissouma or Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr, who are relentless in winning the ball back and initiating Spurs’ attacks.
Midfield Control: James Maddison’s role under Postecoglou is more than just creating chances; he often drops deep to link play and initiate transitions. Expect him to find pockets of space in front of United’s defence, potentially dragging Casemiro out of position.
With Maddison is the creative hub. Casemiro’s challenge will be not only to cut off his supply but also to deal with Tottenham’s fluid interchanges.
Spurs' High Press and Build-up Play: Under Postecoglou, Spurs have adopted a possession-based, aggressive high-pressing style. The team builds from the back and attempts to overload the central areas before finding wide options.
United’s defensive shape and ability to play out from the back will be tested, especially against the likes of Yves Bissouma or Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr, who are relentless in winning the ball back and initiating Spurs’ attacks.
Tactical Dynamics
United's Struggles in Attack: United’s possession dominance has not always translated into goal-scoring opportunities. Although the team averages 61% possession this season, they’ve often lacked the creativity to break down well-organized defences.
If Spurs can force turnovers high up the pitch, as they’ve done effectively against other top-six sides, United might find themselves vulnerable on the counter, particularly if they are missing key players or have to resort to a makeshift defence.
Spurs' Adaptability and Fluid Front Line: Postecoglou has Spurs playing a more adaptable attacking system, where the front line, typically led by Son, constantly interchanges positions.
This fluidity, combined with Maddison’s movement, will be crucial against United’s back line. Look for Son and Kulusevski to make runs in behind United’s full-backs, exploiting any gaps left when United push forward.
United's Struggles in Attack: United’s possession dominance has not always translated into goal-scoring opportunities. Although the team averages 61% possession this season, they’ve often lacked the creativity to break down well-organized defences.
If Spurs can force turnovers high up the pitch, as they’ve done effectively against other top-six sides, United might find themselves vulnerable on the counter, particularly if they are missing key players or have to resort to a makeshift defence.
Spurs' Adaptability and Fluid Front Line: Postecoglou has Spurs playing a more adaptable attacking system, where the front line, typically led by Son, constantly interchanges positions.
This fluidity, combined with Maddison’s movement, will be crucial against United’s back line. Look for Son and Kulusevski to make runs in behind United’s full-backs, exploiting any gaps left when United push forward.
First-Half Assessment
United's Initial Approach: Manchester United, under Ten Hag, might look to dominate possession early on, pinning Spurs back and testing their defensive shape. However, Spurs’ ability to play through the press and launch quick counter-attacks could see the visitors getting in behind the high line United are likely to play.
Spurs’ Response: Expect Spurs to maintain their structure and focus on disrupting United’s rhythm in midfield. If Maddison and Bissouma/Bentancur can evade United’s press, Spurs will transition quickly and look to exploit spaces, especially through Son’s speed and Maddison’s incisive passing.
United's Initial Approach: Manchester United, under Ten Hag, might look to dominate possession early on, pinning Spurs back and testing their defensive shape. However, Spurs’ ability to play through the press and launch quick counter-attacks could see the visitors getting in behind the high line United are likely to play.
Spurs’ Response: Expect Spurs to maintain their structure and focus on disrupting United’s rhythm in midfield. If Maddison and Bissouma/Bentancur can evade United’s press, Spurs will transition quickly and look to exploit spaces, especially through Son’s speed and Maddison’s incisive passing.
Second-Half Assessment
- If United struggle to create clear chances in the first half, they may leave themselves exposed when trying to push more players forward in search of a goal.
Postecoglou’s Spurs have shown a tendency to improve as games progress, utilizing their fitness and tactical discipline to capitalize on mistakes.
Look for more attacking involvement from the full-backs and a potential switch in formation to provide added width and depth in the second half.
Postecoglou’s Spurs have shown a tendency to improve as games progress, utilizing their fitness and tactical discipline to capitalize on mistakes.
Look for more attacking involvement from the full-backs and a potential switch in formation to provide added width and depth in the second half.
Prediction
Given Spurs’ current form and confidence under Postecoglou, a result away from home is not out of the question.
With Tottenham’s attacking fluidity and United’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 2-1 win for Spurs or a high-scoring draw, such as 2-2, could be on the cards.
Spurs’ new-found resilience and the ability to control games make them more likely to edge out tight encounters compared to previous seasons.
Tactical Report for Ange Postecoglou: Exploiting Manchester United's Weaknesses
Overview of Manchester United's Recent Tactical Setup:
- Formation: Manchester United under Erik ten Hag have continued to favour a 4-2-3-1 formation. With André Onana in goal, the backline typically features Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Diogo Dalot (a right-back normally).
In midfield, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen hold deeper roles, while Bruno Fernandes operates as the primary playmaker. Marcus Rashford and Antony provide width, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the attack. - Key Players: Fernandes remains the creative fulcrum, orchestrating play and providing goal-scoring threat. Rashford’s pace and directness on the left flank are key to United’s attacking output, while Zirkzee’s physical presence offers a focal point up front.
Key Weaknesses to Exploit:
Transition Vulnerabilities:
- Slow Defensive Recovery: United’s aggressive approach to attacking play often leaves them exposed when possession is lost. With both full-backs pushing high, there are opportunities for quick counters.
When Dalot and Mazraou push forward, it isolates Martínez and de Ligt, who can struggle against pacey forwards in transition. Spurs, with the speed of Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson, should aim to exploit this space by launching direct counters.
A well-timed pass from Maddison over the top to Son or a quick break down the right by Johnson could catch United off guard.
- Slow Defensive Recovery: United’s aggressive approach to attacking play often leaves them exposed when possession is lost. With both full-backs pushing high, there are opportunities for quick counters.
Midfield Frailties:
- Space Between the Lines: United’s current midfield setup lacks consistent defensive coverage, especially when Eriksen plays deeper alongside Casemiro.
Eriksen’s tendency to drift forward leaves gaps that can be exploited.
Casemiro has been inconsistent, often caught out of position when trying to support attacks. Spurs should look to overload this area by pushing Maddison higher up to find pockets of space.
Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma/Bentancur can also drive through the midfield to disrupt United’s shape and create openings.
- Space Between the Lines: United’s current midfield setup lacks consistent defensive coverage, especially when Eriksen plays deeper alongside Casemiro.
Fragile Defensive Partnerships:
- Martínez and de Ligt: While Martínez and de Ligt have formed a solid partnership, they are vulnerable against pacey, dynamic attackers. Martínez’s aggressive style often sees him step out of the defensive line to intercept or challenge, leaving de Ligt exposed.
Quick passing combinations between Kulusevski, Maddison and Son could pull Martínez out of position and create spaces for runs in behind. This is an area where Spurs can capitalize, especially if they can isolate Martínez and de Ligt in 1v1 situations.
- Martínez and de Ligt: While Martínez and de Ligt have formed a solid partnership, they are vulnerable against pacey, dynamic attackers. Martínez’s aggressive style often sees him step out of the defensive line to intercept or challenge, leaving de Ligt exposed.
Set-Piece Deficiencies:
- Weak Aerial Presence: Despite having taller players like de Ligt, United have shown vulnerability when defending set-pieces, particularly second balls after the initial clearance.
Tottenham’s centre-backs, like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, pose significant aerial threats and should be targeted in these situations.
A well-delivered corner or free-kick could create scoring opportunities, as United have struggled to effectively clear their lines.
- Weak Aerial Presence: Despite having taller players like de Ligt, United have shown vulnerability when defending set-pieces, particularly second balls after the initial clearance.
Specific Match Strategies for Spurs:
Targeting Dalot’s Flank: Diogo Dalot has been inconsistent defensively, often leaving too much space behind when he ventures forward. Tottenham should look to overload this side, with Porro supporting Johnson on the overlap. This could result in 2v1 situations, dragging de Ligt across to cover, thereby creating space in the centre for a late runner like Maddison or Bissouma.
Through Udlogie and Son, the same tactic can be applied on the left against Mazraoui, pulling Martínez out of position.High Press on Onana: While André Onana is confident with the ball at his feet, he has been prone to errors under pressure. Tottenham could deploy a high press led by Solanke, Son and Johnson to force hurried clearances or misplaced passes, potentially winning the ball back in dangerous areas. This strategy would disrupt United’s build-up play and create immediate scoring chances.
Exploiting the Right Half-Space: United often leave gaps in the right half-space when their midfielders push forward. Quick, diagonal passes through this area, particularly from Bissouma or Maddison, could split United’s defensive line, allowing Son to make runs in behind. Spurs’ use of this space will be key to unlocking United’s defence, especially when they commit numbers forward.
THBN Assessment:
In the 2024/25 season, Manchester United have been conceding goals primarily in the early stages of the first half. On average, the first goal they conceded came around the 27th minute.
This suggests a vulnerability early on, potentially indicating lapses in concentration or defensive organization during the initial phase of games.
United’s defensive setup and ability to regroup quickly will be critical, especially against a team like Tottenham that can exploit these weaknesses through fast transitions.
Tottenham’s second-half strategy should focus on pushing United’s defence deeper with sustained attacks and exploiting any gaps left as United press forward in search of a goal.
Early and late are the optimal times for Spurs to score in this game.
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